Afghanistan is experiencing the largest refugee return in its history, with the International Organization for Migration warning of a severe crisis. Nearly 1.5 million Afghans have been forced back in 2025 alone, part of a projected 4 million returning from Pakistan and Iran between 2023–2025. Half are women and girls, facing risks such as poverty, child marriage, and abuse. The UN urges global support, while the Taliban government denies a crisis, claiming to protect women’s rights and prevent forced marriages.

The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticizes the International Criminal Court (ICC) for ignoring Israel’s alleged crimes in Gaza while issuing arrest warrants against Afghan leaders implementing Islamic law. He denounces the court’s double standards and rejects its authority. Analysts suggest that internal Afghan issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than external sanctions. The UN respects the ICC’s independence but faces calls to recognize Afghanistan diplomatically and address the situation through negotiations.

Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan but remain largely unrecognized internationally. Russia recently became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, while China has extended economic support and diplomatic engagement. India and Iran have also shifted their approaches, balancing security and strategic interests. Despite strained relations with Pakistan, several nations continue cautious diplomacy with the Taliban, driven by practical and security considerations. Experts anticipate more countries may follow Russia’s lead in formal recognition.

Afghanistan’s capital Kabul is at risk of becoming the world’s first modern city to run completely out of water by 2030. Excessive groundwater extraction, climate change, and population growth have drastically lowered water levels, threatening nearly 3 million residents with scarcity and displacement. UNICEF reports half the deep wells are already dry, and 80% of underground water is contaminated. Experts warn urgent infrastructure improvements and international cooperation are needed, but sanctions and instability hinder effective solutions.

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country in the world to do so. The Russian Foreign Ministry accepted the credentials of a new ambassador from the Taliban-led administration. Russian officials expressed hope that this step will strengthen bilateral cooperation. In a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Dmitry Zhirnov, the move was described as a model for others to follow, with Russia taking the lead in formal recognition.

Fearing for their safety amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, thousands of Afghan refugees are returning home after decades in exile. The UN estimates that over 4 million Afghans live in Iran, many of whom fled war and persecution. One returnee, Nasima Ghaffari, said, “The war has changed everything. We came back with nothing—no money, no home, just fear and uncertainty.” Reports suggest that some Pakistani refugees are also returning home due to rising security concerns.

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region early Wednesday morning. Initial estimates placed the magnitude at 6.4, later revised to 5.9 by India’s National Center for Seismology. The quake, with its epicenter 75 km below the surface, was felt in Delhi and surrounding NCR areas. No casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, Tajikistan experienced a separate 5.8 magnitude quake earlier in the day—its third significant quake in the past 48 hours.

The Taliban government has severely restricted Afghan women’s freedom of speech and education. However, ‘Radio Begum,’ a women-run radio station that was previously shut down, is set to resume broadcasting. According to the Ministry of Information and Culture, the station has been allowed to reopen after committing to follow certain conditions. Arab News reports that the station must operate under the guidelines of journalism and the Islamic Emirate’s regulations and must not violate them in the future. The channel is entirely run by women.

After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has maintained diplomatic communication with neighboring and regional powers. A delegation from the Taliban government has now visited Japan, as reported by Al Jazeera. The discussions will focus on humanitarian aid and potential diplomatic relations with Japanese officials. On Sunday, a delegation comprising officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, education, economy, and health arrived in Japan. They will stay for a week. Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Latif Nazari, referred to this as part of their efforts to improve international relations.

The Taliban government has expressed a willingness to rebuild relations with the Trump administration but firmly ruled out returning military equipment left in Afghanistan in 2021. Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Bahar Balkhi claimed that the US and NATO military equipment left behind is now Afghanistan’s property. According to Pentagon data, the US had transferred over $7.2 billion worth of military equipment to Afghan security forces before the Taliban takeover. Over the past four years, much of this equipment has been damaged or utilized by Taliban fighters. Prior to the elections, Donald Trump had vowed to retrieve the abandoned US military assets in Afghanistan.